Broccoli Salad
A Broccoli Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make salad combines fresh broccoli with the savory crunch of bacon and the sweetness of cranberries. Its versatility allows it to complement various dishes, ensuring that it will be a hit at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of bacon, cheese, and cranberries creates a mouthwatering profile that everyone will love.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from broccoli and healthy fats from sunflower seeds, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a light lunch, this broccoli salad suits any occasion.
- Make Ahead Option: It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, allowing for easy meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Broccoli Salad smoothly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your prep work and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spilling.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk: Ensures the dressing ingredients blend well and achieve a creamy consistency.
Ingredients
A simple broccoli salad recipe made with bacon, cranberries, and other simple add-ins! Be sure to check out the recipe tutorial video!
For the Salad
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets¹ (1 lb)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker, not finely shredded)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon²
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup red onion (diced into small pieces)
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayo (I use olive oil mayo)
- ¼ cup sour cream³
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar⁴
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Combine Dressing with Salad
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss or stir well until everything is coated evenly in the dressing.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- For best flavor, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. If serving immediately, make sure to toss again before presenting. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.
Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Salad as a refreshing addition to any meal!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Whether for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, it pairs well with various foods. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Side Dish
- With Grilled Chicken: The freshness of broccoli salad balances the smoky flavor of grilled chicken.
- Alongside BBQ Ribs: This salad adds a crunchy texture that perfectly complements tender, juicy ribs.
- Paired with Fish Tacos: The tangy dressing brings brightness to fish tacos, making a delightful combination.
In a Wrap
- Inside Tortilla Wraps: Add broccoli salad to your favorite tortilla wrap for a satisfying lunch on the go.
- With Pita Bread: Stuff pita pockets with broccoli salad for an easy and nutritious snack.
For Meal Prep
- As Lunch Boxes: Pack individual servings in containers for healthy lunch options throughout the week.
- At Potlucks or Picnics: This dish is easy to transport and always a hit at gatherings.

How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To make your broccoli salad truly shine, consider these tips for enhancing its flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and other ingredients ensure vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad for at least one hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the mayo and sour cream ratio according to your preference for creaminess.
- Add Crunchy Textures: Incorporate additional nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.
- Mix in Seasonal Veggies: Try adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some top side dishes to consider:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the freshness of broccoli salad, adding sweetness to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of broccoli salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein and complements the flavors of the salad nicely.
- Deviled Eggs: This classic appetizer is rich and creamy, balancing out the crunch of broccoli salad.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet touch that pairs well with savory dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your broccoli salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
-
Using overcooked broccoli: Ensure the broccoli florets are fresh and crisp. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture that detracts from the salad’s appeal.
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Not chilling the salad: While you can serve broccoli salad immediately, refrigerating it for at least one hour enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this step if you want a delicious taste experience.
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Ignoring ingredient quality: Opt for high-quality ingredients like sharp cheddar and fresh cranberries. The better the ingredients, the more flavorful your salad will be.
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Skipping the dressing blending: Whisking together your dressing until smooth is essential. If you don’t blend well, it may separate and not coat your salad evenly.
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Omitting customization options: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite ingredients or swap out those you don’t prefer. This salad is versatile; be creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to ingredient textures that may change when thawed.
- Fresh salads are best enjoyed right after preparation.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method is best if you want to keep some crunch.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments of 30 seconds until warmed through. Stir between intervals.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Broccoli Salad recipe special?
This broccoli salad stands out due to its combination of crunchy textures and sweet-tangy flavors, making it a delightful side dish for any occasion.
Can I customize my Broccoli Salad?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, fruits, or substitute different cheeses based on your preferences. It’s all about making it your own!
How long can I store Broccoli Salad?
You can store broccoli salad in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container while maintaining its freshness.
Is this Broccoli Salad healthy?
Yes! With fresh vegetables and nutritious ingredients like sunflower seeds and cranberries, this salad is a healthy addition to any meal.
Final Thoughts
This easy-to-make broccoli salad offers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal produce. Enjoy this salad as a side dish at gatherings or a refreshing snack—it’s sure to please!

Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful addition to your next meal, this Broccoli Salad is the perfect choice. A delightful blend of crunchy broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy dressing makes this salad a crowd-pleaser. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this easy recipe that’s not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. Whether served at potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners, this salad complements a variety of dishes. Plus, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Get ready to impress your guests with this colorful and satisfying side dish!
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups broccoli florets (1 lb)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thickly shredded)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup red onion (diced)
- ¾ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced onion. Toss gently to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg